Delta agent (Hepatitis D)Definition: Delta agent is a type of virus called hepatitis D that causes symptoms only in people who have a hepatitis B infection.
Alternative Names: Hepatitis D virus
Causes, incidence, and risk factors: Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is only found in people who carry the hepatitis B virus. HDV may make a hepatitis B infection or existing hepatitis B liver disease worse. It can cause symptoms in people with hepatitis B virus who never had symptoms. Hepatitis D infects about 15 million people worldwide. It occurs in 5% of people with hepatitis B. Risk factors include: - Having a hepatitis B infection in the past
- Carrying the hepatitis B virus
- Receiving many blood transfusions
- Intravenous (IV) drug abuse
- Men having intercourse with other men
- Being infected while pregnant (can pass the virus to the baby)
Symptoms: Hepatitis D may increase the severity of symptoms associated with all forms of hepatitis B. Symptoms may include: - Jaundice
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Joint pain
- Dark-colored urine
Treatment: The treatment is the same as for hepatitis B. See hepatitis B . Persons with long-term HDV infection may receive a medicine called alpha interferon or a liver transplant.
Expectations (prognosis): Persons with an acute HDV infection usually get better over 2 to 3 weeks. Liver enzyme levels return to normal within 16 weeks. About 10% of those who are infected may develop long-term (chronic) liver inflammation (hepatitis).
Complications: - Chronic active hepatitis
- Fulminant hepatitis
Calling your health care provider: Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of hepatitis B occur.
Prevention: Prompt recognition and treatment of hepatitis B infection can help prevent hepatitis D. Avoid intravenous drug abuse. If you use IV drugs, avoid sharing needles. A vaccine is available to prevent hepatitis B. It should be considered by people who are at high risk for hepatitis B infection.
References: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 5th ed. London: Churchill Livingstone; 2000:1870-1871. Long SS, Pickering LK, Prober CG. Principles and Practice of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. 2nd ed. New York, NY: Elsevier; 2003:1097-1101.
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